'Blue Alert' Issued For CHP Shooting Suspects

KERN COUNTY (CBS13) – A statewide search is on for suspects involved in the shooting of a CHP officer in Kern County late Sunday night.

The shooting happened on State Route 178 in Kern County at 10:45 Sunday night. The officer was on the side of the westbound lanes using radar to monitor traffic when an SUV passed him also heading westbound.

The SUV then made an illegal U-turn and re-entered the westbound lanes traveling in the wrong direction toward the officer.

As the SUV got closer, the left rear passenger fired multiple shots at the officer hitting him in the left hand and chest. The officer was able to return fire striking but not stopping the SUV.

The officer was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

A "Blue Alert" has just been issued for the suspect vehicle involved in the shooting. It's described as blue Chevrolet or GMC Yukon-type SUV with 24"chrome wheels with possible bullet holes. The rear cargo window is also shot out.

The driver is described as a Hispanic man in his 20's last seen wearing a cowboy hat with a button up shirt.

The second suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his 20's last seen wearing a light colored tank top.

Officers warn that the suspects are armed and dangerous. The weapon is believed to be an 9mm automatic handgun, possibly a MAC 10.